WATCH | The best bits as Limerick claim historic three-in-a-row with epic win over Kilkenny

John Kiely’s men were pushed to their limits by Kilkenny but showed all their class to claim the title.

It was every bit as close as was promised but at the end of the day, Limerick reigned supreme for the third successive year as they claimed the All-Ireland title with a 1-31 to 2-26 winners over Kilkenny.

Gearoid Hegarty’s wonderstrike got Limerick off to a flier but while they dominated the first half, they couldn’t put away the Cats like they did Cork in last year’s final.

They managed to get six ahead on a couple of stages in the opening period but Cody’s men were dogged in their determination as the sides went into the half with just four points separating them.

Kyle Hayes and Aaron Gillane, re established a six-point cushion shortly after the restart but Billy Ryan’s goal on 40 minutes ignited the Kilkenny fire.

Seven minutes later, Martin Keoghan found the net to bring the teams within a point before John Donnellan levelled immediately after.

Limerick pulled ahead once more but eventually Kilkenny drew the sides level through Richie Hogan with just under ten minutes to play.

But in a show of defiance, the champions illustrated why they are one of the best to ever do it with five unanswered putting the game beyond Kilkenny who couldn’t reel them in once more.

And with two points between the sides, Colm Lyons brought an incredible encounter to a close, sparking scenes of joy in GAA HQ with Limerick on top of the hurling landscape once again.

Watch the highlights in full below.